Progressive Announces Record Dates - Annual Meeting and 1st Quarter Dividends

MAYFIELD VILLAGE, Ohio--Jan. 3, 20051, 2005--The Board of Directors of The Progressive Corporation on January 29, 2005 fixed the close of business on February 17, 2005 as the record date for the determination of shareholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders scheduled to be held on April 15, 2005.

In addition, the Board declared a quarterly dividend of $.03 per Common Share payable March 31, 2005, to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 11, 2005.

The Progressive group of insurance companies ranks third in the nation for auto insurance based on premiums written. The companies that offer insurance directly (by phone at 1-800-PROGRESSIVE and online at progressive.com) market their products and services through the Progressive Direct(SM) brand, while the companies that offer insurance through more than 30,000 independent agencies in the U.S. market their products and services through the Drive Insurance from Progressive(SM) brand. The Common Shares of The Progressive Corporation, the holding company, are publicly traded at NYSE:PGR. More information can be found at progressive.com.